Chris Sale’s Latest Gem Propels Red Sox to 4-2 Win Over Rangers

Chris Sale hurled yet another gem in his last start before the All-Star break, striking out 12 Texas Rangers en route to a 4-2 win for the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday. Boston has now won nine in a row after sweeping their third straight series.

Sale allowed just six hits and one walk over seven shutout innings, lowering his season ERA to 2.23. He also made a bit of history, becoming the first pitcher ever to strike out at least 11 batters with one walk or less in five consecutive starts, according to Elias.

Over that span, Sale is 4-0 with a staggering 59 strikeouts over just 34 innings, and hitters are batting just .160 against him. He also performed against top competition, with recent gems against the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners.

Sale also started a nifty double-play to get out of a one-out, first-and-third jam in the sixth inning. He snagged a comebacker from Rougned Odor then spun around and made the first throw to Xander Bogaerts, who completed the double-play at first.

The Red Sox pitching staff combined to strike out 18 batters on Wednesday night, concluding with Craig Kimbrel's 28th save.

Up Next: The Red Sox kick off their final four games before the All-Star break on Thursday against the Toronto Blue Jays. David Price (9-6, 4.44 ERA) takes on J.A. Happ (10-5, 4.44 ERA) in the series opener.

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